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Sony's latest 4K TVs get their own HDR video service
It wouldn't be CES if Sony didn't have a new TV lineup with a central theme, and this year it's all about high dynamic range video. The flagship, 4K-capable Bravia X930D series revolves around a new backlight layout (Slim Backlight Drive) meant to bring out the best of HDR's vivid colors and improved contrast. The Android TV-powered 55- and 65-inch sets also have refined color engines that boost accuracy no matter what you're viewing. Also, Sony isn't content to lean on third-party services like Amazon for HDR content -- it's launching its own service, Ultra, that lets you buy and stream 4K HDR shows (sadly, only from Sony Pictures) on compatible sets.
More Sony 4K TVs will support HDR color this fall
If you splurged on one of the many 4K TVs Sony released this year, you're likely in for a treat. Sony is expanding the reach of its high dynamic range (HDR) color update to include more sets. It was originally destined for just the X930C and X940C, but the upgrade is now slated to reach the X850C, X900C and X910C this fall. If you're one of the fortunate few in line for this image quality bump, you can expect more vivid colors, greater contrast and more details in both highlights and shadows.
Sony's wafer-thin, Android-powered 4K TVs will start at $2,499
Spring has come and gone without any sign of Sony's promised X900C and X910C TVs, but those super-thin 4K sets are finally on their way... well, almost. The slimmest of the bunch, the 0.19-inch thick X900C series, is now slated to arrive in July at hefty prices of $2,499 for a 55-inch model, and $3,999 for its 65-inch counterpart. Determined to go bigger? You'll have to wait longer, and pay a pretty penny. The lone X910C model, a 75-incher, is poised to launch sometime this summer for $5,499. Thankfully, screen size is the only major difference here. All of these units pack Android TV, Triluminos displays and an X1 processor that should make the most of your 4K video. The real question is whether or not you need this eye-catching design in the first place -- it's great if you're aiming for a near-invisible wall mount, but you might otherwise be fine 'settling' for a thicker TV.
Sony's latest Bravia TVs will come with YouView built in
When Sony announced its new Bravia TVs at CES, it wasn't just the razor-thin form factor that had attendees leaping for joy. At last, Sony had thrown out its own software efforts in favour of Android TV, Google's burgeoning TV platform. Now, we've found out that Brits are going to get something just a little bit different. Starting this summer, Sony's 2015 Bravia TVs will run two different platforms in the UK: Android TV and YouView. Exactly how these offerings will co-exist isn't clear, but the advantages are obvious; with YouView, Sony now has a proven platform that lets Brits watch both live TV and catch-up services such as BBC iPlayer and 4oD. Everything is accessible from a single guide, so for newcomers it's easy to scroll back and watch shows without launching separate apps. However, we're keen to see Sony's implementation. If you're forced to bounce between YouView and Android TV to access different apps, it could be an awfully confusing and irritating experience.
Sony's new TVs are thin... very thin
When visitors see your new Sony Bravia, the answer to their first question will be "4.9mm," because that's how thick these new TVs are at their thinnest point. If, however, your friends and lovers aren't impressed, then you might have to wheel out some other facts about your new home entertainment setup. The top-of-the-line XBR 900C 4K TVs come in 55-, 65- and 75-inch flavors, and gain a new X1 4K processor, which upgrades the picture quality of any 4K source and enhances the dynamic range and color.
Sony joins Samsung and LG with its first curved 4K TVs
Sony's just announced its first large, curved 4K HDTVs, but is doing things a bit differently from its competitors. The new 65- and 75-inch S90 models have less curve than Samsung or LG's offerings, because Sony says that gives better viewing angles and a more immersive experience. Otherwise, they're packed with the kind of tech you'd expect: an UltraHD Triluminos display with "X-tended dynamic range" for better blacks, active 3D, advanced 4K-to-HD upscaling and angled speakers and subwoofers with 4.2 surround sound. Sony's also baked in social viewing, live football mode for instant tweeting and photo sharing. There's still no pricing, but Samsung's curved 65-inch 4K model is $5,000, and its 78-inch model is $8,000 -- despite Sony's smaller curve, we'd expect at least that. Update: Just for reference, in China, Sony is offering the 65-inch version for 32,999 yuan or about $5,360, and the 75-inch version for 49,999 yuan or about $8,110. Fret not, chances are these will be cheaper when they land in the US.
PS Now beta expands to select Sony TVs on June 30
Next Monday, owners of Sony's most recent televisions (that is, the company's 4K models and select 1080p sets) will join a fortunate segment of PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 owners in testing the company's PlayStation Now streaming game rental service. Assuming you fit this criteria and live in the continental United States, this test should allow you to play a wide range of PlayStation 3 games using only your Internet-connected television and a DualShock 3 controller attached via USB. Of course, that's assuming you're willing to fork over the ridiculous amounts of money Sony is currently asking for PS Now game rentals. As we reported earlier this month, each short-term rental is priced between $3 and $20, which becomes a ludicrous offering when you realize that many of the PlayStation 3 games available via PS Now can be purchased at retail for the same amount. Sony claims that the current pricing scheme may be altered as the test rolls on, but you've been warned. If your interest remains piqued, you can find a list of supported TV models beyond the jump thanks to our pals at Engadget. If you don't qualify, have no fear: Sony plans to launch an open beta test for PlayStation Now on July 31.
PlayStation Now will start streaming PS3 games to Sony TVs next week
Sony has been testing its PlayStation Now cloud streaming game service for months, with a select group of players testing it out on the PS3 and PS4 (all PS4 owners can try it out at the end of next month). On Monday, that group will expand to include owners of some of Sony's 2014 TVs, including all 4K Ultra HD sets and some of the 1080p models. As a part of the PlayStation Pilot Service, that means that if they live in the continental US, they can play PS3 games with just an internet-connected TV and a DualShock 3 controller plugged in via USB.
Sony's $700 4K streaming box gets a much needed pre-order discount
4K TVs are still quite expensive and there's still not a lot of stuff to watch on 'em. If neither of those things deterred you from buying one, however, then Sony's FMP-X10 Ultra HD Media Player is probably a good investment. The Roku-esque hardware lets you pull down 4K content like American Hustle and The Blacklist from Sony's Video Unlimited store, as well as House of Cards and Breaking Bad from Netflix. Having already launched in Europe, it'll arrive on these shores in July for $700 -- unless, that is, you pre-order between today and July 15th, since Sony is offering a $200 discount for even earlier early adopters.
Sony reportedly puts its OLED TV efforts on hold
There were hints that Sony's OLED TV plans were in trouble when the company's collaboration with Panasonic went south last year, and it now looks like those efforts have stalled out completely. Nikkei reports that Sony has put development of OLED sets "on ice," shifting those involved to other projects. The electronics firm just doesn't see the faster, higher-contrast displays catching on in the near future, according to the Japanese newspaper -- it's far more interested in pushing its 4K LCDs, which are selling like gangbusters compared to equivalent screens from rivals like Samsung.
Sony's streamer lets you watch one show (House of Cards) in 4K for £350
If you spent a fortune on the first Sony Bravia UltraHD TVs, it may have hurt to find out that Netflix was only streaming 4K using a format (H.265) that doesn't work on those sets. Sony has now righted that wrong with the FMP-X5 4K media streamer, specifically made for European-only owners of the KD-84X9005, KD-65X9005A and KD-55X9005A Bravia TVs. House of Cards is the only 4K show available for it from Netflix (or anywhere else) right now, but the streaming outfit said that others, like Breaking Bad, will be arriving soon. The other drawback is a rather hefty £350 sticker (direct from Sony), but if you were an early adopter for one of those models, we think you can manage it.
Sony has a 4K TV for every budget (that's at least $2,099)
Sony has nailed down the final launch details for its newest 4K Bravia TVs, and surprise -- they just might be affordable this year. The "entry-level" XBR-X850B series will start at a relatively frugal $2,099 for a 49-inch model, with prices peaking at $5,499 for a 70-inch set. If you've got a bit more cash and want upgrades to both audio and wall mounting, the XBR-X900B line starts at $3,999 for a 55-inch set and scales up to $8,999 for a 79-inch variant. There's still a couple of models for the money-is-no-object crowd, of course. The improved LED lighting of the 65-inch XBR-X950B will set you back $7,999, while the display's 85-inch sibling costs an eye-watering $24,999. All of the 4K sets ship in June.
PlayStation Now actually works! (update: hands-on video)
You'll excuse us if we didn't expect PlayStation Now to work so well. It's a game-streaming service, and the history of game-streaming services is littered with dead bodies. When Sony spent an unbelievable $380 million on Gaikai, it seemed impossible that the service could ever live up to that incredible sum. While PlayStation Now may not live up to that massive payout, it does, in fact, work. And it works really well. We got our hands on PlayStation Now today at a CES 2014 PlayStation event, where we tried God of War: Ascension on a Bravia TV (without a PS3) and The Last of Us on a Vita. Both games played like there was a local PlayStation 3 (including the incredibly long initial load for The Last of Us) and ran without a hitch. There was zero perceptible lag in our (admittedly brief) playtime, and we suspect that the internet Sony's using is of the very strong variety.
Sony's new Bravia HDTVs get a wedge-shaped redesign (update: hands-on photos)
Unconvinced by 4K? Don't worry, because Sony's still got your back. The company has unveiled its 2014-era HDTVs for those who, whatever the reason, aren't ready to dip a toe into the Ultra High-Definition pool. Both the flagship Bravia W950B and W850B come with a new design, apparently allowing for bigger speakers and a lower center of gravity, reducing the size of the accompanying pedestal. The lesser lights of the new arrivals, including the W800B, W630B and W600B all come with the usual Sony tech, including X-Reality Pro, ClearAudio+ and built-in WiFi, and all will be arriving for various quantities of your cash in the spring. Update: We just got to see the new sets for ourselves, so peruse our gallery to see some real-world shots. Better living vicariously through pictures.
Sony's new UHD TVs are built to support Netflix in 4K when it arrives
3D? Pah. 2014 is the year that 4K makes its first grand assault upon the mainstream. Naturally, Sony is one of the names leading the charge, and is bolstering the 4K support it added to the Video Unlimited service back in September. The company's new range of UHD TVs will now pull down 4K video from a variety of sources, but most importantly, will work with Netflix's forthcoming native 4K streaming. This year's flagship is the XBR-X950B, available to buy in 95- or 85-inch models, while the middle tier is now occupied by the XBR-900B, offering 79-, 65- or 55-inch units. For those of us who aren't on the roster of a Major League Baseball team, however, the company is also releasing an "entry level" XBR-X850B line, which can be snagged in 70-, 65-, 55- and 49-inch versions. Each one has the usual cluster of Sony technologies, including X-Reality Pro, Triluminos and ClearAudio+, as well as screen mirroring, NFC and built-in WiFi. All of them will arrive in spring, but there's no word, yet, on how much these will set you back, but we'd wager that the hardware isn't yet into the "impulse purchase" category just yet.
PSA: You can now use your Amazon account to log into Lovefilm
You might be able to knock one password off your list, as you now have the option to log in to your Lovefilm account using Amazon credentials. The changeover is part of the online retail giant's recently announced Login With Amazon initiative, intended to let you use a universal ID for its other websites or those of third party developers. To switch, you'll need to follow the link at the source and enter both your Lovefilm and Amazon details, and may need to re-enter payment info as well. The company promised that your private data will remain "completely safe," and said that any rental lists, bookmarks, viewing history and watchlists will stay put. On the off-chance you're on Lovefilm but don't have an Amazon account, the company wouldn't be adverse to your creating one at the same time, in case you fancy physical disc media to go along with the streaming variety. That's not the only change Lovefilm users may notice however, as the service has rolled out versions of its next generation streaming app -- first seen on the PS3 -- for the Xbox 360 as well as Sony Bravia TVs, Blu-ray players and home theater systems.
Sony announces pricing for 55- and 65-inch 4K TVs in the UK, pre-order now, in-stores June
Fancy some of the 4K magic from Sony, but are living over in the UK? Well you can get one step closer by pre-ordering today. The Bravia X9 -- as it's known over there -- comes in two sizes (55- and 65-inch) both of which will land in bricks and mortar stores in mid-June. The price? Well, £4,000 and £6,000 respectively. That outlay will get you upscaling on all your media, and Sony's 4K X-Reality PRO engine handling the full-resolution stuff. Still not convinced? Well there is NFC and plus a TV SlideView app for Android and iOS if that sweetens the deal?
Sony announces pricing for 55- and 65-inch 4K TVs, shipping April 21st
Think $25,000 for an 84-inch 4K TV is a bit tough to swallow? You're certainly not alone, but if you're willing to compromise on a few viewable inches, you could very well save yourself quite a bit of cash. At Sony's NAB press conference today here in Las Vegas, the company finally shared pricing for its smaller 4K models, the Bravia XBR-55X900A and the XBR-65X900A, which ring in at 55 and 65 inches, respectively. That first flavor will retail for a mere $5,000, with its larger sibling due in stores for just two grand more. As we learned at CES, both models offer Triluminous displays with X-Reality PRO and Motionflow XR960 technology, WiFi and NFC one-touch screen mirroring, not to mention native support for displaying 3,840 x 2,160 pixels images. The more budget-friendly duo will hit stores on April 21st -- they'll also be available to order online in just two weeks' time.
Sony launches the Bravia KDL-W900A LED connected 3DTV at CES
Sony's television firmament has swelled to include the company's Bravia KDL-W900A here at the tech jamboree that is CES. The edge-lit, slimline display comes loaded with the company's X-Reality Pro engine for rendering, Motionflow XR 960 and two pairs of active-shutter 3D glasses. Spec fans will note that it's got built-in WiFi, "One Touch" NFC-enabled screen mirroring, USB port and the obligatory hookup to Sony's Entertainment Network. There's a press release after the break, and we'll expect to hear more about pricing in the spring. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Sony sets US pricing for 55-, 65-inch HX950 HDTVs: $4,499 and $5,499
We had to wait an extra week for the US details, but Sony has revealed Stateside pricing for its new top of the line HDTVs at CEDIA 2012. The 55- and 65-inch BRAVIA XBR-HX950 HDTVs have pricetags of $4,499 and $5,499, respectively and the press release promises immediate availability online, at Sony stores and through "select" retailers although we heard they may arrive in force around the same time as the 84-inch 4K monster. The press release also has all the specs for these refreshed versions of the old HX929 champ, which bring along all the local dimming, Gorilla Glass and connected TV features we've come to expect without any additional surprises, although we suspect that won't slow down orders from any fans of the monolith TV style with $5k or so burning a hole in their pocket.